I’ve been on the hunt for a few new white tees that I can layer or wear on their own. I consider a white t-shirt foundational to my spring and summer wardrobe, and I had become frustrated with the options in my closet. They were all either too tight, too boxy, too stiff, too clingy, too long, or simply misshapen.
So I set out on a mission to find one or two go-to options that I love as much as I loved my ATM Schoolboy V-Neck back in the day or, more recently, the FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck T-Shirt… IYKYK.
ATM Schoolboy V-Neck (M) // FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck T-Shirt (XS)
Before you ask, I finally passed both of those on a while back. The longer lengths and more fitted silhouettes no longer worked as well for me, and they started to feel a little snug after some of the body changes that have come with menopause.
I do still have both the crewneck and v-neck versions of the AllSaints Anna T-Shirt in my closet, but neither feels quite right anymore. They’re both a little too long and wide through the body while somehow also being snug across the chest, and the v-neck has a tendency to shift around and get wonky throughout the day. I’m constantly adjusting the shoulders and tugging it back into place, which gets old fast.
AllSaints Anna Crewneck Cotton T-Shirt (M) // AllSaints Anna V-Neck Cotton T-Shirt (M)
I wish I could tell you I’ve found the unicorn white t-shirt, but not yet. I have found a few promising contenders that I’m keeping for now to see how often I reach for them and how they hold up after washing and wearing.
I think white t-shirts are a lot like jeans. Even when I find a tee I really like, I’m still open to finding an even better one.
So today I’m sharing the best ones I’ve found so far, along with a few that didn’t make the cut. After all, just because they didn’t work for me doesn’t mean they won’t work for you. But first, let me explain what I’m looking for in a white t-shirt.
What I’m Looking For in a White T-Shirt
- High-quality fabric with a nice drape
- Not too sheer, but not too stiff
- Soft, but not clingy
- Not too fitted, but not too boxy
- Not too long, but not cropped (around 22″ is ideal for me)
- A flattering v-neck or a crewneck that isn’t too high
- Sleeves that skim the arm without being too long or wide
- Easy to wear on its own or layer under jackets and cardigans
- Holds its shape after washing
I know, I don’t ask for much, do I?
The Best T-Shirts I’ve Found So Far
After trying quite a few options, these are the ones that have earned a spot in my closet—for now. I’ll share the key details, fit notes, and my thoughts on each one.
While I originally set out to find the perfect white t-shirt, some of the tees I tried are shown here in other colors. Since they’re all available in white, I included them because the fit and fabric are what I was really evaluating.
Splendid Lila V-Neck
c/o Splendid (also at Nordstrom) (M)
also wearing: Madewell Jules (29) // Steve Madden Tracie c/o (8) // Parissa Wang Gabrielle c/o // Madewell necklace
Quick Facts:
- Price: $88
- Fabric: 100% cotton
- Length: 22″
- Neckline: V-neck
- Sleeve: Cap sleeve
- Fit: True to size
My Thoughts: I think this is my favorite so far for wearing on its own. I haven’t tried it under jackets yet, so it may be a little too boxy for layering, but I love the 100% cotton fabric. It’s soft with a nice medium weight, and the wide v-neck is very flattering without being too revealing. The thick neckline trim also gives it a more polished look.
While it’s definitely boxy, it tucks well, and because it isn’t overly long, it doesn’t hang awkwardly in the back the way longer tees do when front-tucked into higher-waisted pants. That’s been my biggest issue with the FRAME, ATM, and AllSaints tees I mentioned above.
My only real complaint with this one, aside from the steep price tag, is the sleeves. They’re described as cap sleeves, but they look and feel a little longer and wider than I’d prefer. I’d love them even more if they were shorter and a bit more streamlined, but it’s not enough to keep me from wearing it. If anything, the longer sleeve gives it a more modern look.
EVEREVE Nina Raglan Tee
at EVEREVE (M)
also wearing: Madewell Jules (29) // Madewell Open Weave Belt in Coffee Bean (M/L) // Dolce Vita Cely Thong Sandals (8) // Maison de Sabre Zipped Bucket c/o // charm bracelet c/o // Luv Aj hoops c/o // Jane Win Grace Coin Pendant c/o
Quick Facts:
- Price: $48
- Fabric: 100% Pima cotton jersey
- Length: 22″
- Neckline: Crewneck
- Sleeve: Raglan cap sleeves
- Fit: Runs small; size up
My Thoughts: This tee is also 100% cotton, but in a slightly weightier fabric that still feels soft. Like the Lila, it’s the perfect 22″ length for a front tuck and has a slightly boxy fit without feeling overly wide.
This one differs in the neckline and sleeves. It’s a crewneck with true cap sleeves and a raglan shoulder, which of course I love. The angled shape of the sleeve is more flattering than the Lila’s sleeve, which creates a horizontal line right across the bust. I also appreciate that the crewneck isn’t too high. It has a feminine shape that’s closer to a jewel neck, with a clean, finished edge.
Overall, this feels like a very polished tee, and the under-$50 price point is a nice bonus.
Fit Note: This tee runs small. I had to size up to a large to get a good fit, and it’s still a bit snug through the bust.
EVEREVE Nora
at EVEREVE (M)
also wearing: Madewell The Ultimate Wide-Leg Jean (29) // Dolce Vita Laurie c/o DSW (8) // Rebecca Minkoff Edie // Luv Aj hoops c/o // Lili Claspe cuff
Quick Facts:
- Price: $48
- Fabric: 100% Pima cotton jersey
- Length: 22 3/4″
- Neckline: V-neck
- Sleeve: Raglan cap sleeves
- Fit: True to size
My Thoughts: This one is very similar to the Nina, but with a v-neck and trim on the raglan cap sleeves. It has a slightly more relaxed fit, so I was able to wear the medium in this one.
Obviously, I have it in green, but it’s also available in white. If I have any complaints, it’s simply that the fabric is a bit stiffer than I prefer. I tend to like tees with a softer drape, but overall it’s a great little tee, especially for the $48 price point.
Splendid Faye V-Neck Tee
at Splendid and Nordstrom (L)
also wearing: // similar pink linen pants // similar denim jacket (S) // beeks Sunbeam Sandal (8) // NAGHEDI Nomad Hobo in Cashmere
Quick Facts:
- Price: $48
- Fabric: 60% cotton, 40% rayon
- Length: 23 1/2″
- Neckline: V-neck
- Sleeve: Short sleeves
- Fit: Runs small; size up
My Thoughts: I’ve owned this tee before and repurchased it this year in a size large. I’m showing a photo of the medium from two years ago because I’ve only worn the new one under jackets so far.
The fabric is thin, soft, and quite stretchy, which makes it great for layering but not my favorite for wearing on its own. Even in the larger size, it’s fairly fitted, and the thinner fabric makes me a little self-conscious.
That said, I really like the abbreviated sleeves and the shape of the v-neck. It’s nice to have a more fitted option for layering under jackets and cardigans so you don’t lose your shape under bulkier layers.
MOTHER Little Goodie Goodie Tee in White
at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s & Mother.com (L)
also wearing: Madewell Jules (29) // Dolce Vita Lumen (8) // stretch bracelets // Tom Ford Wallace sunnies // Cuyana raffia clutch c/o
Quick Facts:
- Price: $95
- Fabric: 100% Supima® cotton
- Length: 22″
- Neckline: Crewneck
- Sleeve: Short sleeves
- Fit: Runs small; size up
My Thoughts: I have this tee in a few graphic versions that I love, so I thought I’d give the solid white version a try.
This is the most expensive of the bunch and probably the least polished, at least when it comes to dressing it up or down. For me, it’s strictly a casual tee.
That said, I absolutely love the super-soft Supima cotton. It has a great drape, a relaxed boxy fit, and slightly longer sleeves that somehow work on this one. It definitely has that borrowed-from-the-boys vibe, but it’s perfect for those days when you want an ultra-casual, laid-back look.
The Ones That Didn’t Make the Cut
These are a few that I tried and ultimately decided not to keep. I’m sure there were others along the way, but these are the ones I could find photos of.
Sézane Malcolm T-Shirt in Ecru
at Sézane (M)
also wearing: Madewell Zoe Shorts (10) // Sam Edelman Bay Sandals (8)
Quick Facts:
- Price: $55
- Fabric: 100% Organic cotton
- Length: 24″
- Neckline: V-neck
- Sleeve: Short sleeves
- Fit: True to size
My Thoughts: This one has a really flattering v-neck, and I like the slub texture, but the fabric felt a bit stiff and didn’t drape the way I wanted it to. The 24″ length also feels a little too long on me these days. With current silhouettes and higher-rise pants, I find myself gravitating toward shorter tees that don’t bunch up or hang awkwardly when front-tucked.
Splendid Skye Short Sleeve T-Shirt
at Splendid & Nordstrom (M)
also wearing: KUT Maya c/o (M) // TKEES Lily c/o (8)
Quick Facts:
- Price: $58
- Fabric: 60% cotton, 40% polyester
- Length: 21 1/2″
- Neckline: Scoop neck
- Sleeve: Short sleeves, rolled cuffs
- Fit: True to size
My Thoughts: This is a nice-quality tee with a soft fabric, and it might have been a contender, but the sleeve design didn’t do much for me. I also wasn’t a fan of the high-low curved hemline, which felt a bit dated compared to the straighter, slightly shorter silhouettes I’m gravitating toward these days.
J.Crew Vintage Jersey Classic Fit Crewneck T-Shirt
c/o J.Crew (M)
also wearing: PAIGE Anessa Twisted c/o (30) // adidas Spezial (8)
Quick Facts:
- Price: $34.50
- Fabric: 100% cotton
- Length: 24″
- Neckline: Crewneck
- Sleeve: Short sleeve
- Fit: True to size
My Thoughts: This is a nice option with a smooth, soft feel, and it’s a good value for a 100% cotton tee. But the sleeves flare out a bit more than I like, and the length is slightly longer than I prefer, making it awkward to front tuck into higher-rise jeans like the ones I’m wearing here. The crewneck also sits a little high, which isn’t especially flattering on me.
Nation Los Angeles Laurence Baby Tee
also wearing: EVEREVE linen pants (M) // Dolce Vita Galae Heels (8)
Quick Facts:
- Price: $90
- Fabric: 100% Pima Cotton
- Length: 22 1/2″
- Neckline: Crewneck
- Sleeve: Short sleeves
- Fit: True to size
My Thoughts: This is one of those tees that just fits me awkwardly, even though it’s a nice-quality piece. The crewneck sits high and has an extra trim detail that draws even more attention to that area. It also fits snugly across the chest without much drape, and the sleeves are quite boxy. Overall, it’s a very boyish fit, which I suppose is the point, but it’s not the most flattering silhouette on me.
Where I Am Now
While I haven’t found the unicorn white t-shirt yet, I’ve found a few strong contenders. If I had to pick favorites today, the Splendid Lila and EVEREVE Nina would probably be at the top of my list, although they each have their strengths and weaknesses.
Of course, the search continues. I already have a few more on the way, and if I discover one that checks all the boxes, I’ll be sure to report back.
In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you. If you’ve found a white t-shirt that you swear by, tell me about it in the comments.
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62 Responses
My go-tos lately have been the 100% Organic Cotton Slub Tee from Quince, I have it in white. It doesn’t list length but it’s not super long on me and I’m 5’3″. It’s soft but has enough structure to not look sloppy. I also like their cotton modal scoop necks. They come in 3 packs, they are super soft and the scoop is perfect.
I love the Quince cotton scoop neck as well. I have three colors and they were a fantastic price. I’ll have to try the slub T. Thanks!
Interesting, they look really long online so I never ordered one. I’ll check them out!
For everyday I have been wearing the Timeless Tees from Banana Republic Factory. They have nice stretch and all different styles: crew, v-neck, tanks and long sleeves. Also, as a bonus they’re very inexpensive and wash nicely. I haven’t found a less casual tee I love yet for a little dressier look at night.
Those look like a great find Audrey, thanks for sharing!
I have two unicorn white tees – Rag & Bone white slub t that I wear tucked into clothes and the Cos boxy crop which is perfect to leave untucked or a front tuck.
I’ve tried the rag & bone a few times, it’s a beautiful tee, but still a bit long on me. I’ll look at the Cos boxy crop.
By any chance could you send the link for the rolled cuffed jeans in your first image?
They are old, sorry! They were the KUT from the Kloth Meg.
I am also always on the lookout for a good tee and an affordable one. I have recently discovered the v-neck Banana Republic. Snug but not too snug, right length for me, not too short, washes well so far.
Great tip, thanks!
Have you tried Rag and Bone slub crew T-shirt? I, too, have tried many white tees looking the performed and this one is it for me! It is the perfect weight, not see through, perfect length, and soft. I wash on cold and lay flat to dry. You should give it a try. I bought my first one at Evereve and then bought a second one through Rag and Bone.
Yes, I have. It is a bit long on me. I feel like 22″ is my sweet spot at the moment.
So for the typo in my above post. Meant to type “looking for the perfect one”….
I am similar size and style as you so you may like these.
Lands End Mariner tshirt is a little more like a “top” because the fabric is a little thicker than a normal tee but so soft and lovely.
Lands End Supima cotton v -neck has been perfect for decades. Silky, perfect skimming but not tight fit.
Give Lands End a try.
They never shrink and the quality is great.
Thanks for the tip!
My two favorites are (1) the COS clean cut t shirt, which while a bit pricey, is the thickest, best quality cotton t shirt I own and comes in some cool stripes (assuming you can get one before they sell out), and (2) Uniqlo’s Crew neck t shirt or its Mini t shirt. Both are super affordable, wash well, and come in lots of colors. I am a M/L but I usually buy the mini t shirt in an XL because I like it roomy.
Personally I dislike cap sleeves. I find them unflattering on me. My quest lately has been to find a great elbow-length t shirt that is fitted and not voluminous. It’s been almost impossible to find.
You might try Talbots. They have a nice tee shirt with elbow length sleeves and it comes in a variety of colors. They do run a little big. Very comfy.
I believe Banana Republic Factory has had some in the past as well.
Thank you for this post. I will keep watching until you find a good one! Could you write a blog post with tips for posing in photos? Your poses always look so natural, confident, and flattering. I’d love to know your best tips for looking relaxed and photogenic in pictures.
Well, thanks! It really is just about practice, and trying different camera angles and stances to figure what looks best on you. I take tons of pictures and go back thru and choose the best ones.
Nothing beats a great white tee, jeans and sandals! Love this post! Right up my alley. If the Mother tshirt wasn’t soooo outrageous, I’d be buying it! I got lucky, of all places, with some tees from Kohls–that look just as good as these high priced tees. I am tempted to buy the Jules jean in this lighter color–but in 29–got burned last time buying a 30 in a different color. They definitely run alittle big.
Please keep us posted if you find the unicorn white tee in a decent price point! I read somewhere that Jennifer Aniston (the white tee
spokesperson–lol) actually has her white tees tailored/altered.
I haven’t tried them lately, but I used to have several Nine West tees from Kohls that I loved! The fabric was just a tad on the clingy side, but surprisingly good quality. And the overall cut and the V-neck shape was a more modern cut than most department store brands. Thanks for the reminder.
It’s the Sonoma brand I had luck with, just fyi
Yep, I have heard that too about Jennifer. I should probably be more open to longer tees and maybe have one hemmed shorter and see how it goes.
Funny, your requirements for tees are pretty much exactly the same as mine. I have about 9 or 10 of Everlane’s Box-Cut Tee in Essential Cotton. I have it in white as well as other colors, and they are perfect for me. I ordered them without pockets. They’re not really all that boxy, despite the name. I sized up in most of them, but also bought my usual size in both white and navy to wear under blazers. Sadly, since Everlane was bought by Shein, I won’t be purchasing anything else from them, but if others don’t mind – those are my perfect tees.
Interesting! I haven’t looked there in a while.
I have been pleasantly surprised by J Crew Factory’s white everyday t-shirt. It is not see-through at all. It reminds me of an old school tshirt because it has some heft to it. It lays nicely, and washes really well. For the price, it is an excellent value. I went back and purchased a second one in case the first one is in the wash.
Good to know, I did try one of their crewnecks last year in a color and liked it a lot. I think it was more of a jewel neck, and a nice slub fabric. I will look there.
Have you tried the tommy bahama kauai split neck? I’m going through the same thing, same age, similar size. I reach for my kauai split neck so much im going to grab the fabric in other cuts. Based on your article I’ll give the evereve Nora a try. Great article thanks!
I haven’t, that is cute!
Have you tried the Aritzia Interlock cotton function tee? I feel like it’s a good quality and good price. They have a lot of good options for basic tees.
No, but a friend loves their baby tees. I need to order a couple from them.
Okay, I don’t wear white and I know J. Jill is not your thing, but I have the Luxe Supima Modern Tee from J. Jill in navy and love it much more than I thought I would. I’d imagine the white is just as substantial a knit as the navy, and I find it soft, just stretchy enough but not clingy, and the sleeves look nicer than they do on the model in the picture. It’s also a very flattering 23″ inch length. I wear a small in their tops, even though I’m often a medium. Can’t hurt to try, right?! I love this shirt s much, I was thinking about ordering an extra. (I’ve got to stop that, but I wear a lot of navy.)
Good to know! You are right, I don’t usually think to look there, but I know they have good quality.
I just got mine from JJill and love it! So soft! Maybe try a petite for length?
I recently purchased the AG Sadie crop T-shirt from Nordstrom in white and yellow. Instant favorite. The length is not too short for me, and the fabric is soft and it drapes well. Not a v-neck, though. I highly recommend it.
That has a nice shape, but is the neck real high? It sort of looks that way on the model.
I don’t feel like it is, but everyone is different
I highly recommend Lands End! My white tee from them is a very nice quality fabric, the length & drape are very good, and I enjoy wearing it.
Thanks! They’ve been surprising me lately, so I’ll have to take a look at their tees.
My favorite outfit on you is the one with the Mother T, the denim, shoes and accessories are perfect styling!!
Aw thanks! It’s simple, but so good, right?
Rowan has several nice tees. Website is forrowan.com if you’re not familiar with them. They’re on the expensive side, but good quality. I also agree with the comments about Rag & Bone tees, but they are a little long for a front tuck.
That’s a new one to me, I’ll take a look.
I haven’t purchased yet but I have my eye on the Perfect White Tee Springsteen.
I have one of theirs on the way, I don’t think it’s the Springsteen tho.
Have you tried the Everlane boxy cut tshirts. I really like them. They’re the shorter length with perfect sleeves and not too boxy at all. At the other end of pricing for casual wear you can’t beat the Old Navy everywear vneck. It’s only nice in the white. A great little casual tshirt that you don’t have to be too precious about. I have 4. Good luck in your search. Everything looks good on you.
The Loft modern wedge tee has been a favorite of mine this spring. I have it in white. It’s a nice weight with cap sleeves and isn’t see through. It’s more substantial than their everyday tees.
Take a look at JJill’s LUXE SUPIMA SCOOP-NECK TEE. I just got it and it’s perfect! Why are white tees so hard!
I love the J Crew Boyfriend Jersey Classic Fit T Shirt. It’s 22″ long (shorter than the one you’ve shown), and $39.50. It’s a nice medium weight,. The sleeves are between a cap sleeve and regular short sleeve. Lots of colors! I own it in light blue. I tend to not wear solid white tees, but I’d like to own this tee in many other colors (wish it would go on sale).
Slightly off topic but somewhat related – does anyone else get tiny holes in the lower center of every tee shirt? I think it’s from front tucking and zipper wear… Thoughts? It makes it really hard for me to pay $ for a nice tee and then have these holes pop up…
Yup, I’ve had issue with tiny holes also. I’m wondering if it the washing machine playing havoc?!
I used to get those all the time. I realized when I changed to a front load washer it stopped happening. Not the cheapest solution to the problem but maybe the real culprit?
Interesting! I have always heard it was something with the button (button covers can help) or rubbing against counters? Which I guess I don’t do. I don’t have that issue, usually. I do have a top loader with no agitator.
I bought those adjustable stretchy belts with a smooth/flat clasp on Amazon and it eliminates that problem. Also gives a smoother look and keeps your slacks where you want them. 🙂
Could you put a link to what you are talking about?
I definitely have this problem too. My theory is it’s the top corner of the jean on the hole side, where the button goes.
Have you ever tried Three Dots tees? They are my favorites. They are not thin or slubby, but also not too thick. I typically wear a crew neck, but they have scoops and v’s, long, short, 3/4 sleeves and tanks, a gazillion colors (including multiple shades of white). White tees have a limited life because of white, but these wear better than other brands I have tried (J Crew, Madewell, LL bean, others). Size up. I can wear the smaller size, but I find if I do they run short (I have a longer torso than you, but less chest).
I’m late getting to finish reading this post, but I really like the allsaints Stevie for a crew neck. I did size up one and it is still fitted.
Hi I feel like we have similar body type and I have struggled to find tees as well, my new solution is to find the right neckline, material, drape etc and then have altered to 20-21 inch length. Short torso larger chest is a challenge! My favorite is the Jcrew Factory girlfriend tee in a large and once cropped and hemmed to the right length are perfect, my other new fave is the Evereve Nina which I sized up to an XL and just dropped off to be altered.
Altering the length is a really good idea. I always figure I don’t keep clothes long enough to warrant altering, lol. (Occupational hazard.) But a good white tee, I might!
Have you tried Sold Out NY, Perfect White Tee or Sunny Somewhere? I also like a local brand Kerrie Rosenthal. Her imperfect heart tee is great. She has solids too.